West Ham have targeted Bournemouth's Norway striker Joshua King as they try to bolster manager David Moyes' squad.
After Felipe Anderson joined Porto on loan and fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere was released, the Hammers only have 20 senior players.
Premier League clubs can still sign players from English Football League sides until 17:00 BST on 16 October.
King scored six goals in 26 Bournemouth appearances in last season as they were relegated to the Championship.
The 28-year-old was linked with former club Manchester United in January and has been identified by West Ham, with Moyes looking for a forward, as well as a central defender and, potentially, a midfielder.